GFB GDA OFFERS EMERGENCY FARM RESOURCES FOR HURRICANE PREP
With the approach of Hurricane Ian, Georgia Farm Bureau and the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) offers a variety of services to farmers and ranchers needing assistance in preparation and recovery from the storm.
According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Ian was near Category 5 strength Wednesday morning before its expected landfall near Port Charlotte south of Tampa on the west coast of Florida. Most of eastern Georgia was in the forecast path for the storm, and its advance was expected to bring wind and rain to the majority of the state by the weekend. The Georgia coast was included in a tropical storm warning area along Atlantic coast from south Florida through most of the South Carolina coast.
On Florida’s Gulf Coast, major fertilizer production facilities lie in the hurricane warning zone. The Mosaic Company, headquartered in Tampa, produces about 50% of North American farmers’ supply of granular phosphate fertilizer, according to a company fact sheet
Georgia Farm Bureau hopes you and your family stays safe during the storm. If your property is damaged, please don’t hesitate to call the GFB Claims Department at 855 432 2567 for assistance. Prior to the storm, check with your insurance agent to verify your coverage. A directory of GFB insurance agents is available at www.gfbinsurance.com/contact
The GDA works with state, federal and industry partners to support the safety and comfort of Georgia citizens, evacuees, and all livestock and companion animals. The GDA offers these tips for coping with a natural disaster:
• Follow emergency instructions given by your local and state Emergency Management Associations;
• Complete a hurricane preparedness checklist to make a plan to ensure the safety of family, pets, livestock and home;
(https://www.agr.georgia.gov/GDA Hurricane Response/Ian/Hurricane Checklist.pdf)
• Have a generator of sufficient size to provide for your vital needs and test the generator before you need it power outages can occur;
• Fill fuel tanks Have all fuel tanks full with extra available Store fuel and equipment out of reach so it will not get flooded;
• Have extra batteries for flashlights and radios and charge mobile phones;
• Make sure equipment inside and outside the house is stored away or secured and be sure to -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page reinforce openings flying debris from hurricane winds can cause major damage;
• Ensure your pets and livestock are safe Make plans for feed, water, housing, transportation, destination, expenses;
• Check on animals and property for damage after the storm Ventilation, water supply, feed supply, structural repairs should be assessed in that order
You can find incident related data for Hurricane Ian on the GDA website, including food safety tips in addition to animal evacuation data, by click here; (https://www.agr.georgia.gov/GDA hurricane response Ian.aspx)
For information for the following on evacuation or emergency animal housing:
• Livestock; (https://www.agr.georgia.gov/GDA Hurricane Response/Ian/Auction Markets Sept 2021 Hurricane-Ian.pdf)
• Equine Emergency Stables (http://www.kellysolutions.com/ga/equine/showallemergency.asp)
• Boarding Facilities; (https://www.agr.georgia.gov/GDA Hurricane Response/Dorian/Kennels for board 083019 240.pdf)
• Veterinary Boarding Facilities; (https://www.agr.georgia.gov/GDA Hurricane Response/Ian/Hurricane Ian 2022 veterinary list.pdf)
Petco Love Lost has a free reunification tool on its website where animal owners can upload a photo of their pets and search their national database: https://lost.petcolove.org/. This tool utilizes facial recognition software and is free with a goal to reunify pets with their owners
GEORGIA FARM BUREAU SELECTS BRAND AMBASSADORS FOR FALL 2022
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is proud to announce the selection of the inaugural class of GFB Brand Ambassadors for the Fall of 2022.
Ambassadors include Sage Barlow, a University of Georgia (UGA) student from Fayette County; Bailey Rayfield, a UGA at Tifton student from Cook County; Lorene Parker, a UGA student from Polk County; Gracie Grimes, a UGA student from Candler County; Blake Segars, a student at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) from Franklin County; Abbie O’Steen, a Mercer University student from Coffee County; Kylie Whitworth, a UGA at Tifton student from Madison County; and Allison Cook, a student at ABAC from Henry County.
The GFB Brand Ambassadors will work their first event, the Georgia National Fair in October. Georgia Farm Bureau is a proud sponsor of the Georgia National Fair, and staff and volunteers host a GFB booth in the Georgia Grown Building every year. Ambassadors will represent GFB while networking with industry professionals as well as current and prospective GFB members.
In addition to volunteering time at the Georgia National Fair, GFB Brand Ambassadors will help spread brand awareness by taking on social media assignments and campaigns throughout the semester.
GFB Brand Ambassadors are highly motivated individuals who have volunteered to represent the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation at premier events across Georgia. Ambassadors were chosen
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Continued from previous page based on their interpersonal skills, passion for ag advocacy, innovative thinking, and overall enthusiasm. The most important purpose of an ambassador is to promote the GFB brand and recruit new members for our federation. To learn more, follow @gafarmbureau on Instagram or visit www.gfb.ag/ambassadors
2022 GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIR OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Georgia’s No. 1 economic sector will be front and center at Georgia’s No. 1 fair.
From the annual livestock shows to a virtual walk through garden, agriculture is the centerpiece for the 2022 Georgia National Fair, to be held Oct. 6 16 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (GNFA) in Perry.
The fair always brings big numbers. At press time, 1,199 youth had entered 5,367 animals in the Georgia Junior National Livestock Shows, with grand prizes sponsored by Georgia Farm Bureau. The ever popular Midway will have an estimated 80 rides and fair patrons will have their choice of eats from 120 total food vendors throughout the fairgrounds
In the Georgia Grown building, Georgia Farm Bureau, the Georgia Department of Agriculture and numerous other agricultural organizations plan to show off all that the state’s farmers have to offer. Visitors can share the experience of live birth at the Georgia Grown Baby Barn, where cows and sows will bring their young into the world.
The Starbuck Learning Farm by Flint River Fresh (FRF) will teach visitors about raised bed gardening, community food plots, drip irrigation systems, community orchards, fall planting and more! This year, FRF will walk visitors through the community garden season virtually while showcasing some of their favorite "Field to Fork" recipes on the weekend.
Georgia Farm Bureau is proud to be the presenting sponsor for the 11 daily concerts at the Georgia National Stage, featuring Foghat, Lecrae, Rocket Man (an Elton John tribute artist), Southside Worship, John Michael Montgomery, Skid Row, Kool & the Gang, All 4 One, Frankie Ballard, Grapevine and Rumba Latina. All of the concerts are included with the price of fair admission.
New at the 2022 fair is the Georgia National Fair Food Fight, patrons get to be the judge of food samples from the fairs food vendors, who were asked to submit a new food item that they have never served before at the Georgia National Fair. There are 19 new entries, and all fairgoers are invited to try them all and vote for their favorite using the QR codes on participating food vendor booths. Visit https://www.georgianationalfair.com/p/getconnected/fair food for the full list of submission.
Another new attraction is Extreme Chainsaw Sculpting, featuring Chris Lantz, an international award winning chainsaw sculptor from North Georgia. Lantz has 12 years of experience in the craft. Some of his carving specialties include bears, herons, eagles, horses and many more. Watch in amazement as he turns pine logs into works of art right before your eyes! In addition to several scheduled show times, Lantz will be carving throughout the day.
Other new attractions include the Strolling Piano, Wall 2 Wall trampoline show and Otter Adventures.
Tickets for the Georgia National Fair are: Adults (ages 11 and up), $15; seniors (ages 60 and up): $10; children (ages 10 and under): free with a paying adult. Season passes are $95 each. Two continued on next page
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Continued from previous page day passes are $25 each. Ride armbands, which are available on site only, are $25 each for Oct. 6 7 and Oct. 10 14 and $30 each for Oct. 16. For more ticket information and to purchase online, visit www.georgianationalfair.com/p/tickets
Note that the fair is instituting a new clear bag policy. All bags brought into the fairgrounds should be clear and 12x6x12 or smaller. Exceptions will be made for diaper bags as well as bags holding carry-in items for infants or medical reasons. Bags wallet-sized and smaller are not required to be clear. All bags are subject to inspection.
The Georgia National Fair urges parents who are accompanied by children to take advantage of the Identi Kid bracelets located at each of the gates. By taking a few moments to fill out this information and attach them to your child, workers will easily be able to reunite your group in case of separation.
Fair staff also encourage parents to take pictures of children in front of the color coded signs at each gate. This will enable workers/law enforcement officials to get a better description of a child should they get separated from their guardians. The color coded signs will help fairgoers remember what gate to plan their exit from at the end of their visit.
Please be aware of arrival times and how they may affect your visit. All incoming fair traffic will be stopped nightly at 9 p.m. After 5 p.m. each day, any youth 17 and under will be required to have a legal guardian present for entry.
AFBF NAMES RECIPIENTS OF FRIEND OF FARM BUREAU AWARD
Eleven members of Georgia’s U.S. Congressional Delegation are recipients of the Friend of Farm Bureau Award recently announced by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) for the 117th Congress. AFBF announces award recipients toward the end of each Congress to legislators who have a voting record that supports AFBF priority issues during that two year Congress.
Georgia legislators receiving the award are: Reps. Buddy Carter, Sanford Bishop, Jr., Drew Ferguson, Hank Johnson, Nikema Williams, Lucy McBath, Carolyn Bourdeaux, Austin Scott, Rick Allen, David Scott and Sen. Jon Ossoff.
“Georgia Farm Bureau appreciates the support all members of Georgia’s Congressional delegation give Georgia agriculture,” Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall. “The members receiving this award supported Farm Bureau’s position on numerous key agricultural issues during the past two years with their votes, and we are proud to have them recognized.”
In awarding the Friend of Farm Bureau Award, AFBF considered the votes legislators cast on bills supporting agriculture and our rural communities.
The first recipients of the AFBF Friend of Farm Bureau Award were announced in September 1996 and have been announced every other September thereafter near the end of subsequent congresses.
Notes
PICNIC ON THE FARM RAISES MONEY FOR GA FOUNDATION FOR AG
Nearly 300 guests attended the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture’s Picnic on the Farm Eventure on Sept. 17 at Engelheim Vineyards in Ellijay. This unique culinary and educational event raised $47,000 through tickets sales, a silent auction, sponsorships and donations to fund the foundation’s many programs that raise agricultural awareness and prepare Georgia’s next generation of agricultural leaders.
The foundation chose this picturesque 15 acre vineyard in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains as the location for its inaugural Picnic on the Farm location to celebrate Georgia’s growing wine and grape industry.
Picnic volunteers greeted arriving guests inside the vineyard’s “Venue in the Vines” event center with picnic baskets packed with cuisine from North Georgia chefs and Ellijay apple farms.
After gathering their baskets, picnic blankets and award winning Engelheim Vineyards wine, guests enjoyed the afternoon relaxing and exploring the vineyard while listening to local band Jack and the Bean Sprouts perform classic songs from the 1960s and ‘70s. Guests also enjoyed watching members of the North Georgia Plein Air Artists group capture the scenery and spirit of the event with their paint brushes.
Engelheim Vineyards owner Gary Engel hosted three small group, one hour tours of his vineyards along with Engelheim winemaker Billy Branch, UGA Extension Fruit Disease Specialist Plant Pathologist Phillip M. Brannen and Gilmer County UGA Extension Agent Ashely Hoppers.
“Gary Engel is clearly very connected to the earth. I could see his passion behind why he farms and cares for his land,” one guest was overheard saying after touring the farm. “The farm tour was so inspirational.”
Event attendees also had the chance to tour the foundation’s Georgia Ag Experience, a state of the-art, 36-foot mobile agriculture classroom, which travels approximately 200 days a year to visit 3rd grade through 5th grade elementary school students and public events. The mobile classroom brings the farm to the students using interactive computer games and simulation stations that educate students using science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum.
In 2021, the Georgia Ag Experience educated 16,861 students in 63 Georgia counties statewide. The Georgia Ag Experience is one of the many programs that will be funded by the Picnic on the Farm and other fundraising efforts led by GFA Executive Director Lily Baucom.
“There is a serious disconnect between those inside and outside of agriculture. The gap between farmers who grow food and fiber, and those who consume it, is getting wider,” Baucom said. “In fact, most students are three to four generations removed from the farm. It is our job to find innovative approaches to address these issues which impact food security in Georgia, our nation and worldwide.”
The Picnic on the Farm Eventure was made possible through the support of: Premier Sponsors James Bates Brannen & Groover LLP and Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce; Signature Sponsors FBAlliance Insurance and Harrison Poultry; Elite Sponsors AgGeorgia Farm Credit, Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Farm Bureau Bank and Truist Financial; VIP Picnic Sponsors ABAC School of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Cardinal Investment Advisors, Cobb County Farm Bureau, Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Forestry Foundation, Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, Georgia Poultry Federation, Guy Carpenter & Company LLC, continued on next page
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Continued from previous page Mar Jac Poultry, Premium Peanut and The West Family.
Food sponsors earning five stars of thanks are: 61 Main Restaurant, A Little Baked Bakery, B&B Tavern, BJ Reece Orchards, Callaway Blue Spring Water, Donavie’s Delectables, Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza, Emily’s Bar & Restaurant, Hillcrest Orchards LLC, Ingles Grocery Ellijay, Montane Sparkling Spring Water, Red Apple Barn, Stuckey’s Corporation, Sweet Auburn BBQ and Symphony Potato Chips;
Special thanks are also extended to: location sponsor Engelheim Vineyards; décor sponsor Colquitt County Farm Bureau; communications sponsor Georgia Farm Bureau; gift bag sponsor Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce; and silent auction donors: Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa, Cantaberry Restaurant, Cobb County Farm Bureau, Engelheim Vineyards, Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Hall Booth Smith PC, Tractor Supply Co., and the Gilmer and Turner County Farm Bureaus.
ASIAN LONGHORNED TICK CONFIRMED IN THREE GA COUNTIES
The Asian Longhorned Tick (ALHT), an invasive species with the potential to cause severe anemia and tick fever in livestock, has been found on cattle in three north Georgia counties according to the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL).
ALHT was confirmed on a cow in Habersham County on June 17 and on multiple cattle at one Hall County farm on April 29, NVSL public records show. The first confirmation of ALHT in Georgia was made Sept. 20, 2021, on a Pickens County cow.
“The Asian Longhorned Tick looks very similar to other ticks in Georgia. One distinctive aspect of Asian Longhorned Ticks is they tend to occur in large numbers. If an animal has one tick it's probably our common Lone Star Tick,” UGA Entomologist Dr. Nancy Hinkle said. “If an animal shows up with hundreds of ticks on it, we're going to be very suspicious that we're looking at an Asian Longhorned Tick infestation.”
Since 2017, the ALHT has been identified in 17 states, ranging from lower New England to Georgia along the Atlantic Coast and as far inland as Arkansas and Missouri.
“We want folks to be on the lookout. It is likely that the tick will be identified in additional Georgia counties,” Georgia’s State Veterinarian Dr. Janemarie Hennebelle said.
Georgia Department of Agriculture information on ALHT in Georgia may be accessed at https://gfb.ag/gdaaltupdates.
What is risk to animals?
According to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, a severe infestation of ALHT could potentially kill an animal from excessive blood loss. ALHT can transmit the pathogen Theileria orientalis Ikedia (TOI) to cattle causing theileriosis. Cattle with TOI infections may exhibit weakness, reluctance to walk, abortion, pale mucus membranes, high fever, and elevated heart and respiratory rates with death in up to 5% of infected cattle, the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine reports. Cattle that recover can become Theileria carriers.
To date, TOI has not been detected in the ALHT found in Georgia.
How to report a suspected infestation
Livestock producers are encouraged to help track the presence of ALHT in Georgia by -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page monitoring their animals and wildlife for large infestations of ticks.
“I want folks to take a step back and not just think about cows. Any warm blooded animal is a potential host,” Hennebelle said. “In other states, the No. 1 species this tick is being found on is dogs.”
Anyone who finds large infestations of ticks on one animal should preferably call their veterinarian and report it to the GDA at 404 656 3667. Visit www.gfb.ag/tickreporting for tips to properly collect tick samples and report to the GDA if you don’t have a veterinarian.
How to control ALHT
Livestock producers should work with their veterinarian and/or Extension agent to fight any tick infestations.
“Right now, all of your normal tick control products are going to work on controlling the Asian Longhorned Tick,” Hennebelle said.
Visit www.gfb.ag/UGAlivestockpestmanagement and scroll down to the section on ticks for a list of pesticides UGA Extension recommends to treat livestock for ticks. All treatment should be done in consultation with a veterinarian to ensure proper withdrawal times are observed and that a product is not overused to prevent product resistance.
“No amount of pesticides will eliminate all ticks,” Hinkle said. “We recommend a combination of wise pesticide use with pasture mowing.”
Producers should at least mow the edge of their pastures along tree lines since woods are a prime ALHT habitat.
“Going from summer to fall may be an important time to decrease vegetation when female ticks are laying eggs,” Hinkle said.
TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT PESTICIDE POISONING
Farmers often use chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, defoliants) approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to produce their crops. It’s important to safely store pesticides on your farm to protect the people and animals on your farm and the environment. In the interest of preventing an accidental poisoning, please observe these safety tips from the EPA and Extension specialists.
Where to store pesticides
• OUT OF REACH of children & pets
• In LOCKED metal or plastic cabinets that can be cleaned
• In WELL VENTILATED room/shed
• AWAY FROM food, animal feed, medical supplies or personal protection equipment
• FAR AWAY from an ignition source (a vehicle, farm & yard equipment)
• NOT in flood prone places nor where chemicals may spill or leak into wells, drains, ground or surface water
How to store pesticides
• In ORIGINAL containers with labels that list ingredients & first aid steps in case of poisoning
• NEVER TRANSFER pesticides to a beverage bottle with its original label or to other unlabeled containers. Someone may mistakenly drink it.
• Store dry pesticides above/ away from liquid to prevent spillage/leakage/contamination -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page
• Safely dispose of any unknown or expired pesticides by following EPA recommendations at https://gfb.ag/epasafedisposal
In case of poisoning
Time is critical for any pesticide poisoning! Immediately get help from
• local hospital
• physician or
• call Poison Control Center at 800 222 1222
Symptoms of Organophosphate/Carbamate Pesticide Poisoning*
Sweating, nausea and diarrhea, headache, fatigue, salivation, spit present in mouth, tears, moist membranes, possibly small pupils, slow pulse, central nervous system depression, loss of coordination, confusion, coma (can't wake up).
*Source: National Pesticide Information Center
UGA Extension pesticide educational resources are available at: https://extension.uga.edu/programs services/pesticide safety education.html
https://gfb.ag/pesticidestoragemixingfacilities
https://gfb.ag/pesticidesafetyotherinfo
MERCER TO OPERATE CLINIC ON JEKYLL ISLAND
The Jekyll Island Authority has approved a lease agreement to establish a Mercer Medicine rural health clinic in the island’s Beach Village commercial center.
Mercer Medicine Jekyll Island will operate in a 4,534 square foot, second floor space that was originally constructed with intention to house a medical clinic but has mostly remained vacant. The Jekyll Island Authority will fund renovation of the facility to house the clinic, which will offer primary and emergency care seven days per week, 9 a.m. 6 p.m., during peak summer travel season from May August and no less than five days per week, 9 a.m. 5 p.m., from September April. The clinic is expected to open in June 2023.
“We have waited over seven years for the right partner to fill this need on Jekyll Island,” said Jones Hooks, executive director of the Jekyll Island Authority. “We are looking forward to this partnership to bring Mercer’s medical expertise to serve and support the island’s needs.”
As an outcome of a successful decade of revitalization, the island has experienced significant residential growth and leisure visitation, resulting in an increased demand for this type of service.
“We are honored to partner with the Jekyll Island Authority,” said Jean Sumner, M.D., FACP, dean of Mercer University School of Medicine. “We look forward to bringing high quality primary health care to the residents of and visitors to this treasured rural area of Georgia.”
Mercer Medicine, the faculty practice of Mercer University School of Medicine, operates a multi specialty medical practice in downtown Macon.
In July 2018, Mercer Medicine expanded outside of Macon by opening a rural clinic in Plains at the request of former U.S. President and Mercer Life Trustee Jimmy Carter. At the dedication ceremony for the clinic, Mercer President William D. Underwood said Mercer Medicine Plains “represents part of a broad ranging initiative by the University to transform access to health care in this state” and would serve as a model for additional rural health clinics around the state.
Building off that successful launch, and to continue delivering on its commitment to meet the -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page health care needs of rural Georgians, Mercer opened rural health clinics in Peach County in October 2019, Clay County in November 2020, Putnam County in March 2021 and Harris County in April 2022. Mercer Medicine Jekyll Island, in Glynn County, would be the University’s sixth such clinic.
COURT REVERSES RULING ON ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT REGULATIONS
On Sept. 21, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals acted to temporarily reinstate Farm Bureau backed regulations to enforce the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
The Circuit Court ruled that a district court improperly vacated 2019 ESA revisions, determining that the lower court erred by reversing the regulations without determining whether they were actually unlawful.
“We appreciate [the] ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals,” said American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall. “The revisions to the Endangered Species Act protected at risk animals while ensuring farmers could continue feeding America’s families. This ruling doesn’t bring an end to the debate about modernizing the ESA, but it sends an important message to the 9th Circuit lower courts that their job is to rule based on the law. They can no longer vacate a rule unless they determine it is unlawful.”
On July 5, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, responding to a complaint by environmentalist groups, blocked ESA regulations that were modernized in 2019. The Washington Cattlemen’s Association and other groups appealed the district court ruling to the 9th Circuit Court.
This is the second appellate ruling to favor AFBF in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in the past month. In August, the court overturned a lower court’s ruling that prohibited AFBF from defending the delisting of the gray wolf.
Field Notes 10 of
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE NOW ACCESSIBLE AT 988
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has a new name & number. It’s now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It can be reached by calling or texting 988 or chatting on 988lifeline.org. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support. You don’t have to be suicidal to reach out. 988 trained crisis counselors can help you through whatever mental health challenges you are experiencing.
SAMHSA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Communications Commission & other suicide prevention and mental health partners worked together to create 988 and its expanded services. #988Lifeline
USDA CONSERVATION PRACTICES SURVEY
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will continue collecting responses to the Conservation Practice Adoption Motivations Survey over the coming weeks. Survey recipients may respond securely online at www.agcounts.usda.gov, by phone or mail. A representative for NASS may call producers to set up an interview to assist in the completion of the questionnaire. In late May, NASS mailed the survey to nearly 2,700 farmers and ranchers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. A joint project between NASS and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), this survey is aimed at better understanding conservation practice adoption and the role of technical and financial assistance. The data will be used to guide the implementation of NRCS programs in the future. There are two versions of the survey this year one requesting information on crop conservation practices and one for confined livestock conservation practices. Data from both versions of the survey will be available later this fall on NASS’s website at www.nass.usda.gov. All information reported by individuals will be kept confidential, as required by federal law. For assistance with the survey, producers can call the NASS Southern Region Field Office at (800) 253 4419.
CROP INSURANCE FOR BARLEY, CANOLA, OATS AND WHEAT
Sept. 30 deadline to apply/renew Georgia barley, canola, oat and wheat growers have until Sept. 30 to apply for crop insurance or make changes to their existing coverage. Coverage is also available for barley in Crisp, Jefferson, Pike, and Walton counties. Coverage is available for canola in Bartow, Calhoun, Chattooga, Cherokee, Floyd, Franklin, Gordon, Hart, Murray, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties. Coverage is also available for oats and wheat in select counties. Please contact your insurance agent to see if your county is covered. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2023 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at https://www.rma.usda.gov/en.
Field Notes 11 of 14
GEORGIA PEANUT RESTAURANT WEEK
Oct. 4-9 select markets across Georgia
The Georgia Peanut Commission has selected 12 chefs from across the state to create special Georgia Peanut inspired dishes for the annual Georgia Peanut Restaurant Week. Many of these chefs are repeats, thanks to the overwhelming success of last year’s program. Each chef will use ingredients including raw or roasted peanuts, peanut oil, or peanut flour, to name a few. The selected chefs and some of their featured dishes can be found on the GPC website at https://gapeanuts.com/2022restaurantweek/. Be sure to visit the restaurants on Instagram for the special Georgia Peanut dishes on the menu and days they will be available.
GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIR
Oct. 6-16 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry
Make your plans now to join the fun at the Georgia National Fair, the state’s largest showcase for agriculture with livestock shows, 4 H and FFA projects, as well as the always popular rides on the midway and concerts presented by Georgia Farm Bureau to fit every musical taste, free with fair admission. Tickets are $15 for ages 11 60 and $10 for those over age 60. Children ages 10 and under are admitted free. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.georgianationalfair.com/p/tickets
EPA EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR ATRAZINE COMMENTS
Oct. 7
deadline to submit comments
The Environmental Protection Agency has extended the deadline for public comment on “Proposed Revisions to the Atrazine Interim Registration Review Decision” to Oct. 7. Atrazine is an important tool for weed mitigation in several crops, including corn, sorghum and sugarcane.
Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to tell EPA to use sound science and maintain farmers’ access to atrazine. Proposed mitigations would severely limit how farmers can use this product. Visit the GFB Action Center online to send a message with one click.
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOW
Oct. 8 Morgan Co. Ag Center Madison
This show is open to equestrians of all ages and experience levels. Classes include hunter/jumper, western, gaited, trail obstacles, halter/showmanship, beginner, open, minis, & a costume contest Show begins at 9 a.m. rain or shine. Entry fee per class is $10 and $12 for championship classes. For more information call Susie at (706) 342 3775 or visit the Kel Mac Saddle Club Facebook page or www.kel mac.com. These volunteer run shows generate funds to benefit equestrian related charities. The Kel Mac Saddle Club has donated an estimated $157,050 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region through its 45 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, the Morgan County Sherriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, the Calvin Center’s Horses & Warriors program, a student scholarship and the equestrian facilities of state & county Parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, Don Carter, Watson Mill Bridge and Heritage Park.
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FOREST LANDOWNER CARBON WORKSHOP
Oct. 14 Mary Kahrs Warnell Forest Education Center 8:30 a.m. 4 p.m. Guyton
This workshop is aimed at developing understanding of forest carbon markets, determining the economics of forest carbon payments, identifying emerging opportunities and providing feedback on socially acceptable forest management practices for increasing carbon stored on forestland. Registration is $15 per person and the deadline to register is Sept. 30. Visit https://bit.ly/3QnpYez to register.
2023 AFBF WHITE-REINHARDT GRANTS
Oct. 15 deadline to apply
The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is accepting applications for White Reinhardt scholarships and community/classroom grants through Oct. 15. White Reinhardt scholarships to the 2023 National Ag in the Classroom Conference are for full time educators and/or volunteers that actively participate in classroom ag literacy programs or events. This scholarship provides travel expense funds for educators to attend the national conference and use the information gained to expand their outreach to students regarding food, fiber and fuel. New for 2023, White Reinhardt scholarships are for $1,500 plus registration costs. Learn more and apply here. White Reinhardt grants fund projects that will increase agricultural literacy. County and state Farm Bureaus may apply for $1,000 grants for education programs for grades K 12 to initiate new ag literacy programs or expand existing programs. Learn more and apply here. Recent recipients of these grants include Banks County Farm Bureau (BCFB) and the Georgia Agriculture Experience (GAE) mobile classroom. BCFB will use its grant to add a vertical garden to the pollinator garden it sponsors at a local school and to buy cooking equipment for the teacher so students can prepare the food they grow. The GAE mobile classroom will use its grant to add a sensory based learning station for students with special learning needs.
SUNBELT AG EXPO
Oct. 18-20 Spence Field Moultrie
Billed as “North America’s Premier Farm Show,” this annual event has more than 1,200 exhibitors showcasing the latest in farming technology. Whether you are a large acreage production farmer or a weekend lifestyle farmer the Expo is an event you don’t want to miss! For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit www.sunbeltexpo.com. Stop by the Georgia Agriculture Building at the main gate to visit with Georgia Farm Bureau!
GEORGIA AGRIBUSINESS COUNCIL HARVEST CELEBRATION
Nov. 18 The Classic Center Athens
The evening unites leaders from every agriculture sector and corner of the state in a festive salute to the industry. On November 18, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the Live Auction, Silent Auction and Field of Dreams raffle, and listen to entertainment provided by The Swingin’ Medallions at the event’s new location, The Classic Center in Athens, GA! The cut off date to be listed in the Harvest Celebration program as a ticket purchaser or a table sponsor is Oct. 21. To register, visit https://www.ga agribusiness.org/Events.aspx, call the GAC office at 706 336 6830 or send an email to Maggie Wooten at mwooten@ga agribusiness.org